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The American Red Cross of Utah is encouraging more Latinos to donate blood through a new campaign called Los Donantes, aimed at helping maintain a stable blood supply across Utah communities. Jonathan Guillén, a blood collection specialist with the American Red Cross of Utah, says the campaign focuses on increasing participation from Latino donors, highlighting that “57% of Latinos have O-blood type,” one of the most needed blood types in emergencies.
Guillén, who has worked with the American Red Cross for eight years, says the American Red Cross of Utah is also creating culturally familiar experiences at blood drives through Latino snacks and special giveaways. “We’re trying to get more Latino donors to come donate,” Guillen said. The campaign goes on until the end of June.
According to the American Red Cross, blood donations help patients experiencing trauma, childbirth complications, cancer treatments, and other medical emergencies. “Without you guys my wife wouldn’t be here,” Guillen recalled one donor telling the American Red Cross of Utah team at the blood donation center in Murray. The Red Cross collects 40% of the nation's blood supply and donors can track where their blood donation goes through the Red Cross blood donor app.
The American Red Cross has blood donation centers in Murray, Layton, Lehi, and St. George. The Red Cross also holds regular mobile blood drives at businesses, churches, and other venues throughout the state. To sign up, visit redcrossblood.org. To learn about other ways to become involved with the Red Cross visit, redcross.org/utah.
